Daily Times

Maryam has transformed the party of patronage; one that palmed on rent-seeking into one of resistance. For the first time since the formation of PML faction led by Shareefs, the party, in its posturing, has challenged the establishment. While for many, this transformation isn’t ideological, Maryam has still breathed a new soul into a party of old hogs.

Nothing seems to faze her. She has had her fair share of controversies. To recall a few – only a few, — from resigning under the Court’s pressure as the chairperson of Youth Program to Dawn Leaks and then to mother of all debacles, the Calibri font gaffe – not a thing has tangibly affected her stock. In fact, her political base has augmented and continues to grow, even if, or especially when, she is seen as a lone warrior wrestling the mighty on her own.

Separation of powers, in principle, entails a non-elected panel of elite jurists must not undermine the will of the people, and by necessary corollary, remove elected prime ministers. That principle could not be converted into a political campaign by PPP. It was effectively done by PML(N). The campaign was slow to get off the rails. And many in naivety had discarded it but then it held up and carried on. It needed someone stubborn in Maryam to galvanise the party and its supporters. In doing so, Maryam also pushed the contours of the acceptable discourse of fair comment on judicial decisions and their conduct. True, the superior courts exercised restraint not seen in other instances of contempt – but that discretionary grace from the courts was deftly exploited by Maryam.

The myth and celebrity of Maryam are bigger than the person

Maryam is no prodigy. She wouldn’t cite Trotsky or Che as her inspiration. She epitomises the status quo and wears privilege on her sleeves. Born and raised in a family obsessed with regality, she is convinced of her entitlement. It manifests in her speeches and her appearances. And that, so far, has worked!

Our culture idolises larger-than-life figures who claim a birthright to a religious order or political legacy, regardless of their credentials or merits in their claim. Where she is pivoted, at present, depending on how far she is willing to take her political career, there are no bad options for her. The myth and celebrity of Maryam are bigger than the person. Unless she essays her early exit from the political arena, she is here to stay!

Yet, there is another side to the development of her political career. History instructs us that those who lead agitations do not necessarily enjoy power – even when the power comes calling. Yes, there are battles for Maryam to be fought on the streets and squares; but there are battles to be won within the party too. Uncles don’t necessarily subscribe to her brand of politics. And this is where she needs to bring in a new generation of younger politicians, like BB did in the eighties–much needed by both her party and the country–, to successfully lead PML into next general elections.

And one must commend the PR team of Maryam for the work they have done. They have not just matched the popular Khan, in fact, at times, outshone him. But the media team of Maryam, and this needs to be emphasized, cannot keep stealing the slogans of BB thinking they will get away with it. Everything is not editable on Wikipedia, especially BB’s ascent in the eighties etched in the memories of people. It’s important for her media managers to focus on originality of content. Just because!

Maryam is still not perceived as the leader of the masses. Her message resonates with her base; its reach is limited, nonetheless. Her politics cannot just be about her father. She cannot garner sympathy let alone vote of a median voter, an overwhelming majority, by just eulogising the elder Shareef. Or by ridiculing state institutions. Her narrative needs to be more nuanced and where necessary, she must appreciate the progress and role of the state institutions including the military and judiciary. Even a counsellor can identify the issues that people face. National leaders should propose solutions! This is where one feels Maryam is still a work under construction – well, isn’t every other?

There is also a curse of the past she needs to nurse. Nawaz Shareef became a petitioner in Memo-gate scandal before the Supreme Court and was instrumental in shaping up the public opinion against Gillani. He was a political heir to Zia who scripted the judicial murder of Bhutto. For many, elder Shareef today is only confined in the walls of his regressive politics. An apology, from Maryam, on her party’s past, will go a long way in informing her political journey.

Driven by circumstance or her own will, the choices Maryam makes will be keenly followed by pundits and students of politics. Maryam may still substantively influence politics in Pakistan. We’ll see.

The writer attended Berkeley and is a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn